Oramalugo Makes Star Seizure Worth Over N1.2 billion, Confiscates 5 Trailer Loads Of Smuggled Rice
Oramalugo Makes Star Seizure Worth Over N1.2 billion, Confiscates 5 Trailer Loads Of Smuggled Rice
…warns Smugglers to steer clear of Seme Krake border
By Jerry Aguigbo
In another stellar performance, the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Command has within one month made mind boggling seizures of rice, 5 trucks at a swoop, other assortments of goods and illicit drug (Cannabis) worth over 1. 2 billion Naira.
Dr Ben Oramalugo, Area Controller, Seme Customs Command, while taking Journalists round the Seizures said that for the past two weeks, between the 1st July and 19th July 2025, the operatives of the Command acting on credible intelligence and coordinated enforcement strategies, successfully intercepted and seized a total of 5 trucks laden with smuggled goods along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor. He said the trucks were found to contain a total of 2,800 foreign parboiled rice 50Kg each, and 250 bales of second –hand clothing.
The Duty Paid Value of the seized rice and the means of conveyance (trucks) is ₦919,500,626.00k only.
Other notable seizures during the period include: 898 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), 1,319 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), Forty (40) bags of Sugar (50kg each), Sixty-Four (64) bags of Flour (50kg each), 50 cartons of Ketchup Tomato, 1 boat and engine 20 bales of second-hand clothing, 4 bales of used shoes
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all seizures during the period under review is ₦1,268,794,474.00k only.
In his words: “This operation is a testament to the vigilance, resilience, and doggedness of the officers and men of the Seme Area Command, as well as the collaborative support from other security agencies, particularly the Nigerian military.
As you are aware, the Federal Government of Nigeria has placed a ban on the importation of rice through land borders to protect our rice farmers and millers and reduce dependency on imported rice. Nigeria is the highest producer of rice in Africa, with an annual output exceeding 8 million metric tonnes, surpassing Egypt and Tanzania. However, our rice mills continue to face challenges due to insufficient patronage, which hampers their ability to operate at full capacity. This ban is a strategic measure to boost local production and ensure the sustainability of our agricultural sector.”
Furthermore, he said, “regrettably, some unpatriotic elements persist in engaging in illegal importation, undermining the nation’s economic growth. Let me make it unequivocally clear that the Seme Area Command is not, and will never be, a fertile ground for smugglers. These monumental seizures send a strong message to those involved in illicit activities that the operatives of the Command remain resolute, equipped, and prepared to enforce the Federal Government’s fiscal policies with unwavering determination.”
In the spirit of inter-agency collaboration, the seized marijuana was handed over to the officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) led by the Exhibit Officer, Idris Ibrahim Mohammed for discreet investigation and further action.
Oramalugo said, ” this underscores our commitment to working closely with sister agencies to ensure the security and well-being of our nation.”
Also, the Seme Command within this period which is under review, generated a total revenue of ₦1,593,676,123.26k for the months of May and June 2025.
According to the CAC, “this achievement reflects our sustained efforts at ensuring that all revenue leakages are blocked, and every legitimate kobo due to the Federal Government is collected without compromise.”
Meanwhile, in line with the Federal Government’s agenda on economic diversification through non-oil exports, the Command facilitated the movement of 1,837 trucks, equivalent to over 116,723.26MT of made-in-Nigeria goods. These exports, Todaynews learned, had a Free On Board (FOB) value of ₦22,368,388,976.10k only. While the National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fees stood at ₦111,841,944.87K) only.
Dr Oramalugo commended the principal officers and the entire Officers and men of the Seme Area Command for their unrelenting efforts in combating smuggling.
“Their dedication, coupled with the support of other security agencies, particularly the military, has been instrumental in these successes. When situations escalate, the military’s reinforcement has proven invaluable, and we remain grateful for their partnership.”
“I also extend our appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and his Management Team for their unwavering support. The recent allocation of 12 patrol vehicles to the Seme Area Command has significantly enhanced our capacity to patrol and secure the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, and the results of this investment are evident in the seizures we are showcasing today.”
He assured Nigerians and legitimate traders that the Lagos-Abidjan corridor remains safe and conducive for lawful trade. However, in the same breath, he warned those who engage in illegal activities, to steer clear of this corridor, as the Seme Area Command will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law upon them.
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